JOSEPH PHILLIP ATHAYDE

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JOSEPH PHILLIP ATHAYDE December 28, 1923 - January 4, 2011 On Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 8:38 p.m., surrounded by family and friends, Joseph was peacefully taken into the arms of his Lord. Joseph will be lovingly remembered by Annette, his beloved wife of 59 years; his children, Orlando (Thecla), Patricia Rutherford (Jack), Priscilla, Pamela, Greg (Kathy) and Pia (Dean); as well as 11 grandchildren, Jennifer, Melanie, Jason, Jasmine, Christopher, Jeffrey, Paul, Alex, Julia, Megan, Chandra; his sisters, Dita Pereira (Tony) and Philomena Thomas (Cecil), and family and friends in every corner of the world. Born in Uganda, Joe grew up in Goa, India with his six siblings. He served with the Royal Indian Air Force during the Second World War and spent time working in the Persian Gulf until he met the love of his life, Annette. They married in 1951 in Bombay, where they welcomed their first two children. In 1955 the family moved to Uganda where Joe worked for Falcon Bridge at Kilembe Mines and the remaining four children were born. In 1972, a Ugandan government decree forced them to uproot their family and flee the country. At age 49, with six children and an uncertain future, he moved his family to Canada, settling in Winnipeg. Within weeks Joe found a job with the provincial government in the department of Energy and Mines where he was respected for his work ethic and organizational skills and loved by all his colleagues. Joe retired in 1988 after 17 years of dedicated service. Always active in various organizations, Joe dedicated his retirement years to volunteer committees such as the Knights of Columbus, Spence Neighbourhood Association, Winnipeg Canoe Club and the Royal Canadian Legion where he organized the local poppy campaign for several years. Joe was a founding member of the Lions Club of Kilembe Mines and helped organize hugely popular Christmas and Easter dances and picnics for this mining community that included people from different races and religions. Joe was extremely proud of his Goan heritage and was instrumental in the establishment of the Goan Association of Manitoba. An avid sportsman all his life, Joseph excelled at racquet sports and had a passion for golf. The Winnipeg Canoe Club was a second home to him for many years, and the source of many lifelong friendships. He could be found playing any racquet sport, bridge or socializing in the Lounge, usually bragging about the exploits of his children. Even in his 80's, he would frequently play with opponents 50 years younger than him and most often emerge victorious. After his first stroke at age 84, Joe was back on the golf course just two months later. Following his second stroke at age 85, Joe played racquetball and bridge, much to everyone's amazement. Joe loved to travel and visit his friends and family around the world including touring with groups to such locations as Turkey, Israel, Spain, Italy, France, Mexico and the Dominican. He also loved to dance. Joe and his wife enjoyed attending social events and hosting large parties at their Langside home. He would often play harmonica while others sang. His great sense of humour always made Joe the life of any party. A humble man with a friendly disposition and a positive attitude, Joe left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He made friends easily and never forgot a face or a name. He always saw the good in people. Many people have benefitted from his kindness, willingness to help and generosity over the years. Papa Joe enjoyed being the patriarch of his large and loving family and took pleasure in special occasions with his children and grandchildren. Most of his children and grandchildren are used to hearing total strangers ask Are you related to Joe? when they hear the last name. Despite being oceans apart, Joe maintained a close bond with his siblings, relatives and friends abroad. YOU WILL BE FOREVER MISSED AND ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS The family would like to thank the staff at Deer Lodge Centre and Saint Boniface Hospital for their care over the last year, as well as the staff at Grace Hospital for the compassion shown in his last few hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Deer Lodge Centre or the Royal Canadian Legion #252 in memory of Joseph Athayde. Viewing and prayers will be held on Sunday, January 9 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Ignatius Church, 255 Stafford Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba on Monday, January 10, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Gerry McDougall presiding. Reception will follow in the Church Hall. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 08, 2011